This warm and comforting dish combines juicy chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
What’s even better? It’s super easy to make! Just throw everything in one pot, and you’ll have a hearty meal that your whole family will love. Seriously, who doesn’t love dumplings? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease of shredding. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, that works too! Just add it toward the end to heat through.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is a great choice to control salt levels. You can substitute homemade broth or use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives depth, but feel free to swap with Monterey Jack or Gouda if you prefer something milder. Cream cheese is essential for that richness, so I wouldn’t skip it!
Ranch Seasoning: This adds flavor, but you can use homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer natural ingredients. Mixing dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder can create a similar taste.
Dumpling Ingredients: You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor. Just keep an eye on the moisture level of your dough since whole wheat absorbs more liquid.
How Do You Make Fluffy Dumplings?
The secret to fluffy dumplings lies in not overmixing the dough! Here’s how to get those perfect dumplings:
- Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately; then combine them quickly. A few lumps are okay!
- Use a light hand when dropping the dough into the simmering broth. Don’t worry about perfect shapes.
- Once the dumplings are in, cover the pot and avoid opening it while they cook. This keeps the steam inside, which helps them rise and cook evenly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have tender, fluffy dumplings that soak up all that delicious broth! Enjoy your meal and the cozy vibes it brings. 😊
Easy Crack Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes cooking the chicken and making the broth, plus another 15 minutes for the dumplings to cook once added. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken breasts and pour the chicken broth over the top. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside for later.
3. Make the Creamy Broth:
Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix directly into the hot broth. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese is completely melted and the broth is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Chicken and Broth:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix everything together well. This creamy broth will coat the chicken beautifully!
5. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Then, add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Cook the Dumplings:
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough (about 2 tablespoons each) into the simmering chicken soup. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid! This will help them steam and puff up nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the dumplings are puffed and cooked through, turn off the heat. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a touch of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish! ❤️
Enjoy your Easy Crack Chicken and Dumplings! It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
FAQ About Easy Crack Chicken and Dumplings
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the thawed chicken is completely defrosted before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the quicker method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and broth in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just heat the mixture and drop in the dumplings for fresh cooking. This will keep the dumplings nice and fluffy!
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own! Mix together 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried parsley, and a pinch of salt for a similar flavor profile.
